Fallen soldier's hometown not Portland

Army official: News release was incorrect

Army Sgt. 1st Class Lawrence David Ezell, who died in combat Wednesday near Baghdad, called West Texas, not Portland, his hometown.

Ezell's hometown was listed as Portland on a Defense Department news release.

"That was misinformation -- he's from San Angelo," Army Sgt. 1st Class Charles Cossette, a casualty assistance officer, said on Monday from the Ezells' home in Fountain, Colo.

Fort Carson, Colo., public relations spokesman Maj. Sean Ryan said Ezell may not be from Portland but could have signed up there to serve in the Army.

"It's not that we don't keep good records," Ryan said. "On his official file, we just have where he came into the Army -- not his home of record."

Ezell, 30, died Wednesday from injuries suffered in an explosion near his unit, according to the Defense Department. He was assigned to the 62nd Ordnance Battalion, 71st Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group based in Fort Carson.

"It doesn't make any difference if he's from Portland or not. My heart goes out to his mom -- I know what she's feeling," said Betty Russell, the mother of Army Sgt. John Russell, 26, of Portland, who died in combat on Nov. 15, 2003. "I still think about my son daily."

Caller-Times staff writer David Kassabian contributed to this story. Contact Stuart Duncan at 886-3792 or duncans@caller.com